Solange Knowles—or Mrs. Ferguson—is everything. From her style and music to her business savvy and support of the Black community, we appreciate Solange. Most of all, we love her ability to be nothing but herself. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the she noted, “For the first time in my life, I'm basing every decision around the idea of whether I want to do it or if I think it will be inspiring. And that's paid off for me.”
Read seven reasons why we salute Solange on her 29th birthday below.

1. She uses her voice and platform for good!
Solange has been vocal on Twitter and other social media sites in times of tragedy. Last year, when her Puma collection was set to debut on Black Friday, she postponed the release in the wake of the grand jury’s non-indictment of now-resigned cop Darren Wilson. In the case of Charleston, she tweeted:

Was already weary. Was already heavy hearted. Was already tired. Where can we be safe? Where can we be free? Where can we be black?

2. She makes music you can jam to.
If you’re not hip to Solange’s music, consider using her 29th birthday to school yourself by listening to her 2013 EP True.

Photo: CRUNKTASTICAL

3. She provides a platform for other artists.
She created Saint Records, which has the goal of giving new and ingenious artists a space to create their music and circulate their art. Their first release was the album Saint Heron. It features Solange herself, Sampha, Kelela, Iman Omari and others. The Saint Records website reads “The intent of the album, and the label at large, is to feature, highlight and align a new movement of contemporary, genre-defying R&B visionaries, which will serve as a segue into the diverse evolution of these independent artists as they share their voices and words as only they can – through pure, unadulterated music.”

4. Her relationship with her son is admirable.
At 17, Solange became pregnant with her son Julez and married her high school sweetheart. While her first marriage ended in divorce, she has fully embraced motherhood. And by looking on social media, it seems like she’s done a great job so far.

6. She (and her loved ones) slayed at her wedding ceremony.
Last November Solange tied the knot with director Alan Ferguson. If you're unfamiliar with how she, her wedding party and guests brought elegant style in all white ensembles to the exchange of nuptials, see more photos here.

Photos: Rog Walker / FameFlyNet

7. In everyday life and other special events, her style is on point.
Whether Solange is vacationing on the beach or attending a gala, her clothes are sure to land her on the 'best dressed' list.

Photo: JStone / Shutterstock.com; Daily Mail

Happy Birthday, Solange!

Photo: SolangeMusic.com

Deonna Anderson is Junior Editor at For Harriet. Follow her on Twitter @iamDEONNA.

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